“Therefore, do not pray for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee” (Jeremiah 7:16). KJV
Proverbs 1:28 says, “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me but will not find me” (Proverbs 1:28).
Isaiah 1:15 says, “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen” (Isaiah 1:15).
The Bible exhorts followers to engage in unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17); however, the question remains: does God respond to every entreaty?
Regularly, I receive requests for prayer from individuals worldwide via email. Each petitioner shares a common thread in their passionate supplications to the Almighty, yet many report receiving no response.
As an intercessor tasked with praying for both the Church and nations, I am persuaded that while God attentively hears every prayer, He may not grant a favorable answer in every instance.
In the book of Luke the eighteenth chapter the tenth verse to the fourteenth, Jesus provided an exemplary illustration of two individuals praying to God, with one receiving an answer and the other being rejected.
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed God, I thank you that I am not like other people: robbers, evildoers, adulterers or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” Luke 18:10-14
God, in His justice, is faithful and true, exalting His word above all else according to Psalm 138. As such, He does not deviate from His word to accommodate the desires of mankind.
The Bible offers various reasons for why God may choose not to answer a prayer. Below are five reasons that have been emphasized to offer insight on this matter.
1. Living in sin and refusing to repent (Isaiah 59:2).
When a Christian is living in sin, the only prayer that God desires to hear from them is a prayer of repentance.
In Isaiah 59:2 the Bible states,
“Your iniquities have separated you from your God.”
Sin was what caused the separation between Adam and Eve and God. When Jesus began His earthly ministry, His initial message to humanity was one centered around repentance.
“Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 3:5).
Consequently, when an individual is entrenched in sin, the sole declaration that should be made to the God is a prayer of repentance, as all other declarations might remain unanswered by God.
2. Maltreatment of your wife (1 Peter 3:7).
The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:7, “Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered”.
The way a man treats his wife will interfere with his prayer life. Therefore, it is essential for the husband to be in harmony and in unity with his wife. Every argument or disagreement which might lead to strife, bitterness and unforgiveness must be dealt with through mutual understanding and reconciliation to avoid hindrances to prayers.
3. Prayers uttered with doubt in the mind and in the heart (Mark 11:24).
Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
The Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please God”.
Questioning whether or not God is capable of fulfilling your prayer request is offensive to Him and may allow doubt to hinder you from receiving His blessings. Your faith is a powerful tool during prayer, as it diminishes doubt.
Surround yourself with people who speak words of faith from the Bible rather than doubt, in order to nurture your faith and see it flourish.
4. Giving up too soon when answer to prayers are delayed (Luke 18:1-21).
In the book of Luke, chapter 18, Jesus shares a parable about a widow who persistently appealed to a king for help in seeking justice against her enemies. Despite the king’s initial reluctance, the widow’s unwavering determination eventually led to her request being granted.
This story serves as a reminder that when we fervently pursue a relationship with the Lord through persistent prayer and unwavering faith, we may come to understand that God’s timing is not synonymous with denial.
5. Praying outside the will of God (Luke 22:42).
There exists a distinction between the divine will of God and one’s personal desires, as exemplified in Luke 22:42 when Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
The will of God is where one finds their vocation, or divine purpose in life, while personal will pertains to one’s occupation, career, and aspirations.
For instance, Apostle Peter was called to be an apostle by vocation, yet worked as a fisherman by occupation, and Matthew was an apostle by vocation but served as a tax collector by occupation.
The divine will of God consistently promotes the growth and advances His Kingdom on Earth, whereas our personal will serves our individual interests.
Frequently, our prayers go unanswered due to the presence of self-interest and personal motivations obscuring the intentions of God within our requests.
It is crucial to emulate the prayer uttered by the Lord Jesus Christ in Luke 22:42, wherein He states, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
It is my prayer that you will develop a habit of praying according to the will of God.
May you will remain steadfast in faith and refrain from any activities that God perceives as immoral. By doing so and deepening your relationship with God, He will listen to your prayers and fulfill all of your requests promptly.
Author: Andrew A. Osei
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Dear andrewaosei.org admin, Your posts are always well-supported and evidence-based.